Summer in Manitoba

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 04/06/2019 (2553 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Hard to believe, but Canada Day is just around the corner.

For many, it officially marks the end of another school year, and the beginning of summer travels. With the July 1 holiday falling on a Monday this year, it makes for a true long weekend, and a great time to explore our own province of Manitoba.

Start the season by getting out the map and taking a road trip to new places you’ve never been, to see new attractions you’ve never seen, and celebrations of all sorts.

Down in the southwest corner, you’ll find a fun family atmosphere at the Killarney Fair on June 28 and 29. Friday evening kicks off with chuckwagon and chariot races, plenty of live music, and a market with handmade crafts. The cattle show and light and heavy horse competitions are a traditional part of each year’s exhibition, and the Saturday parade traverses through the centre of town with festive floats, candy for the kids, and other surprises.

Over in the Parkland, the Dauphin Agricultural Fair is the annual signature event put on by the Dauphin Agricultural Society, which — established in 1891 — is the longest running organization in the city. It’s fair, taking place June 28 to 30, is a long-time tradition and a favourite of locals and visitors alike. Highlights include a full midway with rides and carnival games, special vendors, livestock shows, and an outdoor demolition derby that’s sure to be a smashing good time.

In the north, straddling both Manitoba and Saskatchewan is the town named after fictional character Josiah Flintabbatey Flonatin. If you love fishing, take a trip to the Flin Flon Trout Festival from June 28 to July 1. If you just love eating fresh fish minus the work of catching it, the fish fry featuring locally caught fare was made just for you. There are canoe races, baseball tournament, a family dance, and parade, too. It’s also an ideal locale to get in a round of golf, with a gorgeous and challenging course that has you losing balls on both sides of the border.

Our country is turning 152 years old soon, and in the Interlake region, it’s an extra special time for Teulon. The town is celebrating its centennial on the same weekend as Canada’s birthday, with a historic walk and museum tours, old-time dance, movie night, coffee house and art show, and concerts. Get your four-wheeled fix at the classic car show, check out the antique tractor display, try your hand at axe throwing, and ride ponies, for those of pony-riding size.

Right in the heart of Winnipeg, get your heart pumping at The Forks. The Canada Day Run offers a few different distances, with all participants crossing the finish line receiving a commemorative Canada Day medal. Afterwards, stick around for the Founding Nations Pow Wow at Oodena Celebration Circle, a celebration of the diversity of Indigenous song, dance, and sensational regalia. Cap off an eventful day with a dazzling display of fireworks high in the sky over the historic place where our two rivers meet.  

RoseAnna Schick is an avid traveller who seeks inspiration wherever she goes. Email her at rascreative@yahoo.ca